Louisiana Strawberry Festival

With French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest and Festival International (www.festivalinternational.com) in Lafayette, April is the best time to work on a tan, eat fried food, hear music and soak in some culture all at the same time. Ponchatoula does its part by hosting the annual Louisiana Strawberry Festival (www.lastrawberryfestival.com) April 9-11. Events include baking contests, live music and the crowning of the Strawberry Queen.